The Fiesta Sports Foundation irecently announced pregame performances, highlighted by a Fan Fest performance by Arizona native and country music superstar Dierks Bentley on the Vrbo Sound Stage.

All the action takes place starting at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 starting outside State Farm Stadium.

Bentley, a multi-platinum singer/songwriter will take the spotlight on the first-ever Vrbo Sound Stage for a multi-song extended set that is accessible by guests attending Fan Fest and Club ’71. Bentley is one of country music’s most celebrated performers, with eight No. 1 albums, more than 20 No. 1 singles, more than 9.5 billion streams and multiple trophies from the Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. 

“It’s always a great time playing in Arizona and there’s nothing like the energy around college football,” Bentley stated in a press release. “We’re looking forward to being part of the Fiesta Bowl and will have a blast getting the party started!”

GRAMMY-nominated husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty will perform a rendition of the national anthem. The War and Treaty made history as the first black duo to be nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Duo of the Year – an honor they have received three years in a row.

Vocalist Michael Trotter, Jr., a two-tour war veteran, and wife, Tanya, are The War and Treaty.

Fiesta Sports Foundation is teaming up with Jesse Collins Entertainment, a leading live-event production companies. JCE is recognized for producing some of the world’s most iconic live broadcasts, including the Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and multiple Super Bowl halftime shows.

“Hosting a College Football Playoff Semifinal demands that we go big on and off the field – creating memorable experiences for our fans,” Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses stated in the press release. “Teaming with Jesse Collins Entertainment allows us to take our pregame presentation to the next level. We are excited for our fans to enjoy Arizona’s own Dierks Bentley headlining the stage at Fan Fest, rising stars The War and Treaty delivering a powerful national anthem.”

The Vrbo Sound Stage will be the centerpiece of Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest, which features live music, interactive games, sponsor activations, food and beverage offerings and family-friendly entertainment. For those seeking a premium game-day experience, Club ‘71 offers exclusive access, upscale hospitality and preferred seating for the Vrbo Sound Stage.

For information, visit FiestaBowl.org.